Structural Investigations

We have extensive experience in completing condition surveys together with destructive and non-destructive investigations on all types of reinforced and mass concrete, brick and steel structures (buildings, bridges, tunnels, roads and viaducts).

We can provide a complete service from materials sampling and analysis through to the preparation and presentation of expert reports.

Structural Surveys

A powerful combination of in-house expertise and industry standard investigation techniques enable us to provide the following structural surveying methods: 

• Half cell surveys
• Cover meter surveys
• Crack measurement and tapping surveys
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Thermography
• Vibration monitoring  
• Load/deflection performance
• Post tension inspection of bridges
• Principle inspections
• Strain measurement
• Ultrasonic testing 
• Resistivity surveys
• Boroscope surveys

With many of these, a state of the art Scanning Electron Microscopy with EDX provides a powerful tool used by our materials engineers to examine:

• Fractured components for surface features
• Cause of failure and the presence of defects
• Coatings, materials and corrosion indicators
• Identification of fibres
• Comparison of materials
• Defects in components
• Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of particles and contaminants

Our structural testing and assessment services cover the following materials:

Brickwork and Masonry

Full surveys and testing of brickwork, masonry and mortar are provided to ascertain cause of movement and failure, cracking, delaminations and spalling.

Metal Structures

Full surveys and testing of metal structures using a variety of techniques including: 

• In situ metallography
• In situ microscopy
• Crack determination
• Strain gauging/proof loading
• Measurement of residual metal thickness
• Corrosion testing

Paints and Coatings

Comprehensive on-site and in-house laboratory testing coupled with expert inspection services deliver the information needed to accurately evaluate paints and coatings. We provide:

• Failure investigation
• Specialist site inspection
• Chemical analysis
• Advice on surface treatments and preparation
• Specifications written for materials and application methods
• I Corr qualified paint inspection by experts

Waterproofing

To ensure the water tight operation of a number of materials ESG provides Holiday Testing of, for example, waterproof membranes